Nokia unveils Windows 8.1 Lumia smartphone

Manama, June 12, 2014

The first Lumia devices running Windows Phone 8.1 are now available across the Middle East, Near East and North Africa.

Microsoft Devices made the announcement during a regional Press conference held in Dubai, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

"This new chapter in the Lumia story builds on the success of the Lumia 520 affordable smartphone, and also brings new innovations at the high end," Microsoft Devices senior vice-president for India, Middle East and Africa Arto Nummela said.

"The combination of Lumia differentiators and Microsoft services provides a compelling proposition for both consumers and business users.

"With Windows Phone 8.1, people still get the Start screen they can make their own, Live Tiles that provide updates at a glance, Office Mobile, Outlook Mobile, Windows Phone Hubs, and the entertainment experience.

"A number of new features like Action Centre, Word Flow and Senses make it more personal than any other platform," he added.

The Nokia Lumia 630, available in both dual SIM and single SIM variants, and the Nokia Lumia 635 with 4G capability, are the first Lumia devices running Windows Phone 8.1 available in the region.

The Lumia 630 and Lumia 635 have started to roll out in the region.

"The Lumia 930 with Windows 8.1 is our latest flagship device in the Lumia range," said Microsoft head of global sell-in and customer engagement, product marketing for smart devices Ifi Majid.